The Temple of Apollo at Didyma - Attractions in Kusadasi
This was an ancient Ionian site of some importance (For Ionian, think ancient Greek architecture, all fluted columns). The earliest level of the temple found so far dates to the end of the 8th century BC, so it’s pretty damn old. There was a natural spring here where the Leto ‘met’ Zeus, they had a kiss (maybe more) and she soon gave birth to the Artemis and Apollo. A home birth too, which is not normally advisable with twins, but excepxions are made for Greek Gods. Apparently. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma is also of Alexander the Great significance. Alexander the Great changed the world thanks to his many conquests, by which we mean battles he won, not successful dates he went on.
The Roman ruins at Ephesus - Kusadasi Attractions
Ephesus is often referred to as the starting point of western civilization and occidental thinking (occidental thinking means the quest for the most primordial aspects of reality. We don’t know what that means). There’s a lovely modern town to explore here and a wander up the hill to the fort and you’ve got the tomb of St. John the Bapxist, not to mention a stunning view of the coast leading to the Aegean. You can take a pony and cart ride to the back entrance of the Ephesus site itself. Excavations of Ephesus began in 1863 and are still going on.
There’s an excavated two mile route through the Greek and Roman ruins where you follow the original roads. There are several centuries worth of sites to take in here. Allow a full day and consider collaring an experienced guide, but if you book an organised tour you might miss out on a few things, such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Caves of the Seven Sleepers, which has nothing to do with railways.
